John Chiv: Evidence is strong, credibility of witnesses from Alderpoint will be the deciding factor in Alderpoint homicide trial

Aug 7, 2023

Evidence is strong, credibility of witnesses from Alderpoint will be the deciding factor in Alderpoint homicide trial

(Jake Combs)

25 people including Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell showed up for Jake Combs' jury trial. Courtroom 2 is small and no one was allowed to stand so the overflow of 4 people had to watch on video conferencing. Judge Kaleb Cockrum allowed Times Standard's Jackson Guilfoil and myself to sit in the front row which is reserved only for attorneys and law enforcement.

(Trevor Earley from his Facebook page)

The jury was taken in first before anyone else with an extra bailiff in court and seated. Victim Witness was instructed to ensure jurors and Trevor Early's family and friends keep distance from jurors. The 12 jurors are 6 men and 6 women. Three alternates are one man and two women. Judge Cockrum's procedures when presiding over a trial should be the model for all Humboldt judges.

Both the People and the defense had partial wins on Friday in arguing motions with the People having a slight edge. I have included court minutes. The credibility of Zeb Humphrey, Trevor Earley's friend is key because he discovered Earleys body, alerts his own family who then tell Earley's family and his statement about who was with Earley before the 25 year old shot is what led to Jake Combs' arrest. The evidence is strong in this case with credible witnesses like DOJ's Dale Loutier so it will come down to the jury and their assessment of Zeb Humphrey and other Alderpoint witnesses, all who had contact with Earley's body and the crime scene before law enforcement arrived. Defense will raise this issue if they chose to give an opening statement or in their closing argument.

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm gave her opening statement today. DA Investigator Martin Morris is the lead investigator and in court seated at counsel table.

"I was talking to Trevor just like I was talking to you. Then I heard clap. I just heard clap. I saw him fall to the ground. I said Trevor. Jake said, ' I was just playing', " is how Ms. Timm opened her remarks to the jury.

Ms. Timm said Trevor Earley was 25 years old when he met Combs and "treated him like a friend."

"Zeb, Eli, Jake and Trevor went shooting at the Alderpoint Range. This was on January 5. The four then went to the Stone Junction Bar and played video games, pool, had drinks. "They were all intoxicated and Zeb Humphrey gets into an argument."

"Trevor pulls Zeb out of the bar. They go to Eli's house. Zeb Humphrey is upset. He goes back to the bar. Mr. Combs' dog bites Mr. Earley on the nose. Mr. Earley says he is going to kill the dog. Mr. Combs goes up to the side of Mr. Earley and shoots. Eli calls his name. Mr. Combs and Eli leave Trevor dead on the porch. Zeb returns home and sees his friend lying on the porch and thinks it is a prank.He discovers his friend is dead."

"Zeb has no cell phone". Zeb Humphrey goes to his dad Sam Humphrey's house. Both of them go to Lonnie Humphrey's residence. He is Zeb Humphrey's uncle. Sam and Lonnie Humphrey check on Trevor Earley and then tell his parents. "Trevor's mom, Katrina calls the Sheriff."

"Assistant Fire Chief secures the crime scene after confirming Trevor is deceased. " HCSO deputies arrive.

"Zeb says he doesn't know who killed Trevor but tells law enforcement the four of them were hanging out." Zeb Humphrey gives law enforcement description of "Eli" and Combs.

Elias Antunez aka "Eli" is involved in a crash. He tells CHP "his friend Trevor was shot and tells law enforcement what happened. Jake told him they had to leave. Eli was scared Jake would shoot him. Jake loses control of Explorer. Jake flees." Combs was placed under arrest on Hwy 36.

Ms. Timm's opening remarks were accompanied by photos of the bar, the crime scene, Trevor Earley's body at autopsy, key evidence including bloody clothing. A 9 mm semi auto is found in the Ford Explorer. 9 mm cartridge was found near Trevor Earley's body.

Dr. James Olson did the autopsy and Trevor Earley's cause of death was a gun shot at close range.

Alderpoint Assistant Chief volunteer firefighter Robin Craig was the People's first witness. He is retired. Craig's testimony was brief. In his testimony referring to how he knew where"Eli" one of the three people lived, he said "the house where the Mexicans live" and there are only 30 residents in the area. Craig is related to Zeb Humphrey's family and John Earley's next door neighbor.

Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin did not make an opening statement today and reserved the right to present one later. Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton is second chair.

8/4 Court minutes: